Ref: S3D43516
Transform your ideas into reality in this immersive 3-day Wax Carving and Delft Clay Casting Workshop. Suitable for beginners as well as makers with experience, this hands-on course will guide you through the complete process of creating original jewellery and small objects, from initial concept to finished cast piece.
We will begin with an introduction to wax-carving tools, exploring what they do, how they are used, and the different effects they can achieve. Through demonstrations and guided exercises, you will learn how to confidently shape, carve, texture, and refine wax models ready for casting. As your skills develop, you will create your own unique designs and gain an understanding of how different forms and details translate into metal.
Once your wax models are complete, you will be introduced to the Delft clay casting process. You will learn how to prepare moulds, create effective sprues and vents, and understand the techniques that produce the best possible casting results. The course also covers cleaning and finishing your cast pieces.
Later on the third day if you wish, after completing your Delft clay casts, we will spend some time experimenting with spaghetti casting and water casting, offering an exciting opportunity to create unique textures and organic forms while exploring the more experimental side of metal casting.
Students will have the chance to work in silver and/or lead free pewter.
What you will learn:
• Wax carving techniques and suitable design approaches
• How to use a range of wax-carving tools safely and confidently
• Designing for successful casting
• Preparing and making Delft clay moulds
• Understanding casting principles and achieving the best possible results
• Finishing and polishing cast metal work
• Introduction to spaghetti casting and water casting techniques
Wax carving is an invaluable and versatile skill that opens up a world of new design possibilities for jewellers and makers of all levels. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with completed cast pieces, practical casting knowledge, and the confidence to continue exploring these techniques independently.
Mindful Making week is an opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen craft and discover the simple pleasure of making, giving yourself time and space to slow down and focus on learning or improving your skills. There will be several courses running in parallel this week where you can discover what else is happening in other studios plus a session of short, inspirational talks by tutors on Tuesday evening starting at 5.30pm – 6.30pm. There will be the opportunity to join a sound bowl session during the week.
Notebook, ideas and closed toed shoes and something to tie back long hair as well as an apron if you wish.
Any scrap silver you may have (this will save you buying more during the course)
Any unwanted gold jewellery as we may have the chance to do some gold casting - please note that utilising old gold jewellery can sometimes be unpredictable due to the alloys used in vintage/antique jewellery and this can affect the casting process.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Laila Smith is a studio jeweller and tutor. Her mathematically inspired geometric jewellery is sold across the UK. She trained at Manchester Metropolitan University and then undertook a 15 month Fellowship in The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. She has 17 years teaching experience, both in further, higher education and leisure classes.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more
Our winter short course brochure is filled with inspiring opportunities to get creative in the months ahead. From pottery and printmaking to textiles and more, find your next creative experience.
